Sound Transit announces new appointees to Citizen Oversight Panel

The Sound Transit Board has appointed three new representatives to the Citizen Oversight Panel (COP) that monitors Sound Transit's performance in delivering the program approved by voters in 1996.

"We are very pleased to announce that Lynn Guttmann, Robert B. Hitchcock and C.T. Purdom will bring their knowledge and commitment to monitoring Sound Transit's progress," said Sound Transit Board Chair and Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg. "The COP is playing a very important role in delivering the region's transit system. We're very grateful to its volunteer members for the independent oversight they offer."

"With more than 38,000 boardings every weekday, Sound Transit is making a major difference in the lives of Puget Sound residents," Ladenburg said. "The benefits keep growing all the time, as illustrated by last month's opening of the Federal Way Transit Center and the direct access ramps that provide a direct link between the HOV lanes on I-5 for both buses and carpools. The panel's members play a key role in monitoring projects and service throughout the region."

Lynn A. Guttmann has been actively involved in local and regional transportation planning for more than 30 years. She has held director-level positions overseeing planning, building and public works for the cities of Renton and Bothell, Finance Director for the Seattle Center, and a management consultant with several large engineering firms. She has played a leadership role with the Puget Sound Regional Council, the Suburban Cities Association and the American Public Works Association and currently serves on the King County Boundary Review Board. Ms. Guttmann has an MS in civil engineering from the University of Washington and is a resident of Seattle.

Robert B. Hitchcock brings to the COP 20 years of senior management experience from small closely held businesses to large corporations. He is currently general manager of Foundation House Retirement Community in Federal Way where he is responsible for all marketing, administrative and operational functions. Mr. Hitchcock is active in numerous civic and professional organizations and recently completed a term as chair of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of Rotary and various Masonic organizations and resides in Tacoma.

C.T. Purdom comes to the COP from semi-retirement following a career as an educator and executive director of area non-profit organizations. He has been a teacher, high school principal, Vice President and President of the Washington Education Association, Chair of the Washington State Investment Board, and currently supervises student teachers for City University. He is active in various civic endeavors in Federal Way including serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission and on a number of City Council-appointed committees and is a member of the Federal Way noon Lions Club. Mr. Purdom has a Master's in Education degree from Central Washington University.